Last week, I had a second round of MRIs. My first round was about a month ago. It was of my cervical, lumbar, and pelvis areas, and it found a 8 mm Chiari.
This time I had MRIs of my brain, thorasic spine, CSF flow study. I will see a specialist next week. I am hoping someone out there could shed some light on the implications of my results.
The good news is that there is no syrinx, no hydrocephalus, and no other associated abnormalities.
The CSF flow study results were are not so good. Here is what the report says:
"The CSF flow study demonstrates normal CSF flow in the prepontine cistern, the cervicomedullary junction, as well as anterior and posterior to the upper cervical cord in systole and diastole. However, there is no CSF flow in the retrocerebellar cistern or in the fourth ventricle.
IMPRESSION:
Absence of CSF flow in the retrocerebellar cistern as well as the fourth ventricle in systole and diastole due to Chiari 1 malformation."
I knew that a reduction in CSF flow would be a sign that the CM is likely the cause of my symptoms, and not an 'incedental finding', but I did not expect to read that there is NO CSF flow in those regions. Is this how symptomatic CM usually presents? Is the retrocerebellar cistern the same as the cisterna magna? I could not find a definition anywhere.
Is there anyone out there who has similar test results who hasn't had/isn't planning on surgery?
I would appreciate any information anyone can share. I hope y'all are having a pain free day. Thanks!
~Lena